Spring Nationals sports $5,000 prize for IMCA Modified winner

BEATRICE, Neb. (March 8, 2006) ­ The traditional Spring Nationals special for IMCA Modifieds kicks off the 2006 race season at Beatrice Speedway, with a $5,000 prize going to the winner.

The 13th annual event is scheduled Thursday through Sunday, March 16-19. Total purse for the Modified feature is more than $28,000 and the winning driver earns a spot on the ballot for the All-Star Invitational event during the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals.

A minimum of $500 will be paid to make Sunday's 28 car starting grid. Modified drivers also receive $50 a day tow money or $250 if they compete all three days.

Joining the Saturday, March 18 program at Beatrice are IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars running in the fifth annual Spring Fling. First place is worth $600, with national, Jet Racing Northern Region and Smiley¹s Racing Products state points to be awarded to all competitors in the class. A minimum of $100 will be paid to make the 24-car field and non-qualifiers receive $75 tow money.

An open practice session will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday. Gates open at 2 p.m., hot laps are at 5 p.m. and Modified qualifying races start at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Pit gates open at 11 a.m., hot laps are at 2:45 p.m. and racing is at 4 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, gates open at 10 a.m. and racing begins at 1 p.m.

Questions about Spring Nationals or the Spring Fling can be directed to the Beatrice Speedway office at 402 223-3158. The track hotline number is 402 228-2264.

All IMCA rules apply and will be enforced for the two divisions, including minimum weight rules of 2,450 lbs. for Modifieds and 3,100 lbs. for Stock Cars.